Bunnings barbecues are held at outlets across the country every weekend to raise funds for community and charity groups.

"I used to be an amateur boxer and I learnt the punch is not going to kill you; it's hitting your head on the concrete that is going to. I went to another Bunnings a couple of weeks after and I had a panic attack.

"Every time I go into Bunnings now I look on the floor - I look for onions."

Trevor was compensated by the hardware giant after his fall, which he said occurred just after he walked into the Gympie outlet to buy a whipper snipper in 2015.

"I walked into store and it happened so fast, I had leather boots on … I went down on my back," he said.

The Bunnings snag controversy has gripped Australia.

Bunnings has copped criticism, praise, jokes and everything in between since confirming yesterday that operators of weekend barbecues outside its stores had been directed to put fried onions below sausages, not on top.

"Safety is always our number one priority and we recently introduced a suggestion that onion be placed underneath sausages to help prevent the onion from falling out and creating a slipping hazard," Bunnings chief operating officer Debbie Poole said.

It's understood the guideline was quietly introduced recently but word spread this week, prompting a flurry of interest.

"This recommendation is provided to the community groups within their fundraising sausage sizzle welcome pack and is on display within the gazebos when barbecues are underway," Ms Poole said.

Bunnings has copped criticism, praise, jokes and everything in between since confirming that operators of weekend barbecues had been directed to put onions below sausages.

Since the news broke, social media has been in a buzz with people offering various takes on the issue.

Bunnings doesn't believe the change will have much of an impact though.

"Regardless of how you like your onion and snag, we are confident this new serving suggestion will not impact the delicious taste or great feeling you get when supporting your local community group," Ms Poole said.